Firefighters are some of the most heroic public servants. In honor of Fire Prevention Week, here are some of the recent firefighters hailed for their heroism.

A volunteer comes up bigCBS News reports that officials in South Carolina have credited a volunteer firefighter, Jamie Brock, with preventing an even graver tragedy in the state. Brock tackled a suspected gunman who had opened fire in an elementary school during the last week of September. Brock was inside trying to help a wounded 6-year-old when he saw the gunman and intervened.

Speed and determination saves livesKWWL, a local ABC News affiliate in Eastern Iowa, reports that four firefighters in Cedar Falls will be given the Sullivan Brothers Award of Valor for their heroic response to a house fire. Captain Derek Brown and firefighters Shane Farmer, Troy Purdy and Todd Taylor did not hesitate when arriving on the scene to see the home engulfed in flames. They immediately entered into the structure ready to help.

The four men saved a mother and her two children in less than 90 seconds that fateful night in February and, by all accounts, put their own lives at extreme risk to do so. KWWL noted that the four have been extremely humble, asserting that they were only doing their jobs. Remembering those who have fallenDelaware Online, a local publication, reports that somber ceremonies have taken place across the state after two firefighters, Lieutenant Jerry Fickes and Christopher Leach, were killed in the line of duty last month. The two charged into a burning home in Wilmington to try and save as many of the children as possible.

According to the source, the men ran in with such speed and lack of self preservation that their hose burned. First responders and community members all over the state have taken part in ceremonies to honor the valiance and courage of these two men.

We honor them, as well as all firefighters who keep our communities safe on a daily basis.